José Javier Receives the Magno Morales Outstanding Immigrant Award During Hispanic HIV Leadership Awards

José Javier, Community Health and Well-Being Outreach Coordinator at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, received the Magno Morales Outstanding Immigrant Award from Latinos en Acción (LEA), an advisory group to the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC).

In recognition of National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the award was presented during the Hispanic HIV Leadership Awards ceremony. Javier was honored for his resiliency and commitment to improving the health and growth of other immigrants and for his involvement in Latinos en Acción. Though born in the U.S., Javier was raised in the Dominican Republic and returned to the U.S. for college. He now lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

During the 11-plus years he’s dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare and HIV prevention to immigrant populations, Javier’s worn many hats. He’s been an HIV tester, phlebotomist, group facilitator and life coach, as well as stretched his creative muscles as a writer, photographer, video editor and deejay.

“I have a hard time saying no when asked to help. I am a seasoned public health worker who understands that to get the job done, you must step outside of your comfort zone,” Javier said. “I do all of this out of the kindness of my heart and do not seek any attention, so receiving the Magno Morales Outstanding Immigrant Award is unexpected, but of course very appreciated.”

Also receiving awards were:

• The Louis Curbelo Leadership Award, honoring a long time or emerging leader who is committed to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community of Broward County, was presented to Emilio Apontesierra-Paretti, M.Ed CCHW, Director of Programs for High Impacto.
• The Fulgencio Aponte Community Service Award, honoring an individual who has supported the work of Latinos en Acción, was presented to Matthew Eaton.
• The Juliette Love Humanitarian Award recognizing an outstanding individual who is devoted to the welfare of humanity and whose accomplishments are consistent with the core values of LEA, was presented to Edgar Reyes, Community Engagement Officer at Broward House.
• The Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee Unity Award, honoring an outstanding advocate regardless of race, gender or faith, who believes in the purpose of Latinos en Acción, was presented to Alyson Thomas of the Miss Florida Female Impersonators (F.I.) Pageantry System.

The Hispanic HIV Leadership Awards ceremony included appearances by “America’s Got Talent” contestant Alde Tremenda; Kimberly Venom; Mr. Noche Latina 2023 Joseph Thiels; Miss Florida F.I. 2022 Juliana Rivera; and Miss Universal Show Queen Gadfrie Arbulu. Sponsors included Holy Cross Health, Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council, Club Xtra, Viiv Healthcare, Arianna’s Center, Gilead Sciences, Las Orquideas Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, The Pride Center at Equality Park, High Impacto and Hotspots Magazine.

A partnership between the federal government, local and state health departments and community participants, BCHPPC plans and prioritizes HIV prevention efforts in Broward County. For more information, go to getprepbroward.com/bchppc/.